Severe floods in Kedah and Perlis have affected over 480 SPM candidates, prompting swift action from education authorities to ensure students can still attend their examinations.
Image credit: China Press
In Perlis, the education department deployed three high-clearance trucks to transport students after several schools and access roads became submerged.
Schools relocated and students rehoused
Perlis Education Department director Rose Aza Che Arifin said that students whose homes were flooded and those whose exam venues were unusable. Five secondary schools were declared unfit for examinations due to floodwater,
- SMK Syed Hussein
- SMK Dato Sheikh Ahmad
- SMA al-Maad
- SMK Agama Arau
- SMK Raja Puan Muda Tengku Fauziah in Padang Besar
Image credit: China Press
In Kedah, over 90 students, mostly from SMK Changlun, were impacted by floods at home. Affected candidates were given temporary accommodation in school hostels to provide a safe-space for rest and revision.
Community and agencies step in to assist
Both states worked with rescue teams: Civil Defense Force, Fire and Rescue Department, police, and local volunteers to move students safely across inundated areas. Counsellors were also available to help students cope, especially those arriving in wet clothing or with limited belongings.
Authorities stressed that students would not be penalized for arriving without full uniforms or stationery, emphasizing that safe arrival at the exam hall is the priority.
Image credit: China Press
Thousands sitting for SPM across both states
Perlis has 3,754 candidates at 36 exam centres, including
- Government Schools: 3,288
- MARA Junior Science Colleges: 233
- Private Religious Institutions registered under the Ministry of Education: 54
- Private Secondary School: 147
- People’s Religious Schools (SAR): 32
while Kedah oversees 31,000 candidates at 285 centres. With 79 schools identified as flood-risk zones, involving 921 students. Contingency plans and backup exam venues have been activated.
Image credit: China Press
“Families have to plan routes carefully avoid flooded areas, keep important documents in waterproof bags, and remain attentive to updates from schools and education departments” Kedah Education Department director Abdul Rahim Mat stated.
Despite the challenges, both states continue to ensure that every SPM candidate can sit for their exams safely.
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